From Cantona to Sané: five games that determined the destiny of the title

Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United (1995-96)

Kevin Keegan’s swashbuckling Newcastle looked set to be runaway champions, but from 12 points clear they were slowly reeled in by Alex Ferguson’s ruthless Manchester United. When the two title-chasers met at St James’ Park in early March, Keegan’s previously irresistible attack was kept out repeatedly by Peter Schmeichel, and there was a sense of inevitability when Eric Cantona popped up to volley home the winner at the far post. Ferguson’s side travelled home a point behind Newcastle, who had been dragged into a scrap, and when he turned up the mind games in the run-in, Keegan boiled over on live TV in unforgettable fashion. How the Magpies manager would have loved it if his champions-elect had put their challengers away when they had the chance.

Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (1997-98)

Arsène Wenger’s first two titles with Arsenal were defined by one-goal victories at Old Trafford. While Sylvain Wiltord’s winner in May 2002 actually delivered the title, Arsenal had only needed a draw that night to secure the trophy. The two sides’ meeting in March 1998 triggered a truly seismic shift thanks to Marc Overmars’ goal – the first Arsenal had scored at Old Trafford in the Premier League era – and some fine saves from stand-in keeper Alex Manninger. Wenger’s side had approached the new year in sixth, 13 points behind leaders United, but took destiny in their own hands with this win, embarking on a 10-game winning run to clinch the title by a point. The defining image of the game came from a fan in the away end, celebrating a new era with wide-eyed intensity at the final whistle.

Didier Drogba jumps for joy after scoring at Old Trafford. Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/Getty Images

Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea (2009-10)

Carlo Ancelotti’s first season at Chelsea is often overlooked as one of the Premier League’s great campaigns. The Italian delivered the club’s first Double as his free-flowing team scored 103 league goals, with the two most important ones coming at Old Trafford over the Easter weekend. Chelsea began the day a point behind United, who were chasing a fourth straight title, but went ahead through Joe Cole’s brilliant back-heel after 20 minutes. Ancelotti had started Nicolas Anelka ahead of Didier Drogba but turned to the Ivorian with 20 minutes left. Drogba quickly added a second, firing into the roof of the net from what looked like an offside position. Federico Macheda pulled one back and Dimitar Berbatov missed a late chance to level as Chelsea went top; they won the title by a solitary point.